Casualties unknown

2005-07-17: Cessna 180 (N4652B) — Bowstring, MN

Bowstring, MN, US

On July 17, 2005, a Cessna 180 (registration N4652B) was involved in an aviation accident near Bowstring, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The unsuitable water conditions for takeoff selected by the pilot and his inability to maintain aircraft control in the rough water. Contributing factors were the aborted takeoff initiated by the pilot, the rough water conditions and the high, gusty winds. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A floatplane equipped with fixed floats nosed over after the pilot aborted a takeoff in rough water; the left float caught a wave during deceleration. Substantial damage occurred.

Accident Summary

The airplane, equipped with fixed floats, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during an aborted takeoff in rough water. The pilot reported that upon arrival, the lake was rough and tie-downs were not holding the aircraft securely.

Pilot Report

During the takeoff run, the pilot decided that conditions were too rough to continue. He reduced throttle to slow down. As the aircraft decelerated, the left float caught a wave, causing the airplane to nose over. The pilot stated there were no failures or malfunctions with the aircraft prior to the accident.

Weather Conditions

Wind data from the Bigfork Municipal Airport (FOZ) Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), located 18 nautical miles northeast of the accident site, recorded at 1335: wind from 170 degrees at 19 knots, gusting to 27 knots. The pilot reported wind from 140 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 22 knots.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the nose-over. No other damage details are available.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050810X01204. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.